Rugby leagure player, media personality, writer.
A former Australian rugby league player, coach and media personality, Paul Vautin played lock forward and second row for the Australian Kangaroos, Queensland (State of Origin), and in the national rugby league competition with the Manly Sea Eagles and Eastern Suburbs Rooster. He also played two seasons in England for St Helens. Renowned as a defensive workaholic, Vautin's trademark tackling style was complimented by his surprising mobility, on-field stamina and sharp football brain.
Born and raised in Brisbane, Vautin attended Padua College and played first grade for Wests Panthers before moving to Sydney on a contract with Manly-Warringah in 1979. Although his team lost two grand finals in a row (1982 and 1983) Vautin won the prestigious Dally M Player of the Year award in 1983, as well as Representative Player of the Year. In 1987 he lead Manly to victory in the Grand Final and was also named Dally M Captain of the Year.
Vautin was forced to leave manly in 1990 due to the club's salary cap restrictions. he played two seasons under Jack Gibson before moving to England for two years to play with St Helens.
During his football career Vautin had become a regular contributor to the Manly Daily, and so it came as no surprise that he moved into sports commentating for the Nine Network. He was later elevated to the host role for the network's popular Footy Show.
In 1995 during the Super League war, Vautin was hired to coach Queensland. His Maroons gave the New South Wales Blues an unexpected 3-0, thus cementing Vautin's reputation in rugby league folklore. Paul Vautin's representative career comprised 22 games for Queensland (1982-1990) and 13 for Australia (1982-1989).
